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12 vintage Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Christmas moments to look back on (PHOTOS)

Many things change over the years, technology, infrastructure, fashion, the list goes on … but one thing that remains a constant is Christmas spirit.
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A ward of the Shaughnessy Hospital done up with Christmas decorations in 1920. Photo: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Archives

Many things change over the years, technology, infrastructure, fashion, the list goes on … but one thing that remains a constant is Christmas spirit.

Vancouver’s love for Christmas and generosity during the holidays can be seen throughout history in the below vintage photos.

1. The Shaughnessy Hospital done up with Christmas decorations in 1920

Vancouver’s Shaughnessy Hospital opened in 1917 as a recovery home for First World War veterans. It went on to serve veterans and civilians of B.C. for more than 75 years. The historic hospital closed in 1993.

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A ward of the Shaughnessy Hospital done up with Christmas decorations in 1920. Photo: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Archives

2. Elks club members pack Christmas hampers back in 1920

°Õ³ó±ðÌý volunteer organization has been serving community needs across Canada since 1912.

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Elks Club members pack Christmas hampers back in 1920. Photo: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Archives

3. The Christmas Day Swim in 1928

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The Christmas Day swim, at English Bay in 1928. Photo: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Archives

4. The Granville Mansion living room at Christmas in 1930

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L.D. Taylor and Katherine Federici sitting in Granville Mansion living room at Christmas in 1930. Photo: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Archives

5. A Christmas cheer drive at Lord Byng Secondary School in 1950

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A Christmas cheer drive at Lord Byng in 1950. Photo: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Archives

6. Santa Claus with a goat during a Christmas event at the PNE in 1954

The Pacific National Exhibition fair has been bringing joy to Vancouverites with its annual events since 1910.

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Santa Claus with a goat during a Christmas event at a PNE Forum in 1954. Photo: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Archives

7. The 43rd Grey Cup Parade on Granville Street in 1955

The 43rd Grey Cup game was played on Nov. 26, 1955, before 39,417 football fans at Empire Stadium in Vancouver. This was the first time Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­hosted The Grey Cup.

The Grey Cup trophy was created by Birks Jewellers and has been part of Canadian sports since 1909, when it was donated by Governor General Earl Grey for the Canadian football championship.

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The 43rd Grey Cup Parade on Granville Street in 1955. The photo shows a Santa Christmas float and spectators. Photo: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Archives

8. Delivering dolls to the Children’s Hospital in 1956

In 1956 Mrs. R.S. Quinn, the chairman of the Home Arts Committee, and PNE president W.J. Borrie stopped by B.C. Children’s Hospital to deliver dolls to sick children.

There are many ways to help the sick kids at the hospital. .

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Mrs. R.S. Quinn, chairman, of the Home Arts Committee, and PNE President W.J. Borrie delivering dolls at the Children’s Hospital in 1956. Photo: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Archives

9. The Christmas tree at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Art Gallery in 1985

Nowadays Vancouverites gather to watch a 76-foot Christmas tree light up at Robson Square.

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The Christmas tree at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Art Gallery in 1985. Photo: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Art Gallery

10 to 12. VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights in 1987-1990

Built on the former Shaughnessy Golf Course, the VanDusen Botanical Garden opened to the public in 1975. The beautiful Festival of Lights tradition began 35 years ago and is still igniting festive cheer today. °Õ³ó±ðÌýmagical display gets bigger and brighter every year.

Here’s how it looked in the early days …

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VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights in 1987. Photo: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Archives
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VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights in 1988. Photo: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Archives
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VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights in 1990. Photo: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­Archives

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